Whats the Weather like in Whistler, BC? Where to get a Weather Update!
If you’re on a first-time visit to Whistler, you may be wondering what the weather is like in Whistler, Canada? Keep reading to get an overview of all the weather tips, so that you pack what you need in your suitcase.
Whistler weather consists of the four seasons of Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer but most importantly you will need to make sure you have appropriate layers to suit the varying weather conditions.
Living in the mountains can bring along its independent microclimate. It’s a good idea to get in the habit of checking the weather daily as dependant on what fun activities you have planned for the day you need to make sure you have the correct gear.
Dressing appropriately for the day ahead is very important, as it can make a great day turn very quickly into a bad one if your not prepared.
Whistler Weather by the Month
Know the weather before heading up the hill.
Here is the breakdown of the Whistler weather by the month. Remember you will be visiting the coastal mountain region so the temperature and weather fluctuate. The key is to pack layers then your covered all around. Rain is a large part of the climate so be prepared to dress for those damp conditions.
January
- Average Temperature: Low -8ºC to High -2ºC
- Snowfall: Frequent ranges per week, 1030mm
- What to Pack: Warm Layers, Snow Boots, Ski or Snowboard Gear, Toques, Mittens, Waterproof Jacket, Snowpants, Casual to smart casual clothing (not a lot of places in Whistler that require smarter wear)
February
- Average Temperature: Low -5ºC to High 3ºC
- Snowfall: Frequent rangers per week 642mm
- What to Pack: Warm Layers, Snow Boots, Ski or Snowboard Gear, Toques, Mittens, Waterproof Jacket, Snowpants, Casual to smart casual clothing
March
- Average Temperature: Low -3ºC to High 8ºC
- Average Rainfall: 55.4mm
- Average Snowfall: 474mm
- What to Pack: Warm Layers, Snow Boots, Ski or Snowboard Gear, Toques, Mittens, Waterproof Jacket, Snowpants, Casual to smart casual clothing
April
- Average Temperature: Low 2ºC to High 11ºC
- Temperatures get warmer as things wind down on for the skiing and snowboarding
- Average Rainfall: 61.2mm
- Average Snowfall: 158mm
- What to Pack: Warm Layers, Snow Boots, Ski or Snowboard Gear, Toques, Mittens, Waterproof Jacket, Rubber Boots, Snowpants, Casual to smart casual clothing
May
- Average Temperature: Low 7ºC to High 17ºC
- Entering “Whistler Summer Season.”
- Average Rainfall: 65.7mm
- Average Snowfall: 10mm
- What to Pack: Warm Layers, Waterproof Jacket, Hiking and Camping Attire, Bike Attire, Shorts and T-shirts, Caps/Hats, Casual to Smart Casual Clothing, Sunscreen, Trainers, Hiking shoes, Sandals
June
- Average Temperature: Low 9ºC to High 21ºC
- Average Rainfall: 58.9mm
- What to Pack: Warm Layers, Waterproof Jacket, Hiking and Camping Attire, Bike Attire, Shorts and T-shirts, Caps/Hats, Casual to Smart Casual Clothing, Sunscreen, Trainers, Hiking shoes, Sandals
July
- Average Temperature: Low 11ºC to High 27ºC
- Average Rainfall: 44.7mm
- What to Pack: Warm Layers, Waterproof Jacket, Hiking and Camping Attire, Bike Attire, Shorts and T-shirts, Caps/Hats, Casual to Smart Casual Clothing, Sunscreen, Trainers, Hiking shoes, Sandals
August
Nothing beats the lakes for experiencing all Whistler has to offer in summer
- Average Temperature: Low 11ºC to High 27ºC
- Average Rainfall: 47.5mm
- The hottest month of the year and month of Crankworx Festival!
- What to Pack: Warm Layers, Waterproof Jacket, Hiking and Camping Attire, Bike Attire, Shorts and T-shirts, Caps/Hats, Casual to Smart Casual Clothing, Sunscreen, Trainers, Hiking shoes, Sandals
September
- Average Temperature: Low 8ºC to High 20ºC
- Average Rainfall: 54.9mm
- What to Pack: Warm Layers, Waterproof Jacket, Hiking and Camping Attire, Bike Attire, Shorts and T-shirts, Caps/Hats, Casual to Smart Casual Clothing, Sunscreen, Trainers, Hiking shoes, Sandals
October
- Average Temperature: Low 3ºC to High 16ºC
- Average Rainfall: 146.7mm
- Average Snowfall: 76mm
- What to Pack: Warm Layers, Waterproof Jacket, Hiking and Camping Attire, Bike Attire, Shorts and T-shirts, Caps/Hats, Casual to Smart Casual Clothing, Sunscreen, Trainers, Hiking shoes, Sandals
November
- Average Temperature: Low -1ºC to High 5ºC
- Average Rainfall: 131.1mm
- Average Snowfall: 657mm
- What to Pack: Warm Layers, Snow Boots, Ski or Snowboard Gear, Toques, Mittens, Waterproof Jacket, Snowpants, Casual to smart casual clothing
December
- Average Temperature: Low -5ºC to High -1ºC
- Average Rainfall: 54.8mm
- Average Snowfall: 1140mm
- What to Pack: Warm Layers, Snow Boots, Ski or Snowboard Gear, Toques, Mittens, Waterproof Jacket, Snowpants, Casual to smart casual clothing
Resources for Whistler Weather Updates
- Googling Whistler Weather
If you simply search the weather into google it will provide you with a general overview on the current Whistler weather.
Pros: Quick, easy, clear, breakdown of the week, temperatures, and weather-warnings
Cons: Provides a general overview but not detailed information on road, or skiing conditions.
- Mountain FM- Your Adventure Station
The local radio station is a great way to stay up-to-date with current weather and what is coming your way.
Pros: Easy to follow, clear, general information
Cons: Weather update infrequent
- Snow and Weather Report Whistler, Blackcomb
One of the best sources for weather updates in the Whistler weather. It also is an excellent source for skiers and snowboarders eager to check out what’s happening on the hill.
Pros: 12, 24, 48 hour updates, snowfall/precipitation amounts, temperatures in the village up to the alpine, visuals, freezing level, winds
Cons: It’s a great source for all but doesn’t specifically tailor to road conditions
- The Weather Network
The Weather Network provides current weather and precipitation information. It also has an excellent overview to see a 7 and or 14-day report.
Pros: visually appealing, concise and clear, highs and lows, precipitation, snowfall, warnings/notices listed at the top, links to other global/local news stories
Cons: Busy with ads on the page
Best Resources for Whistler Snow Condition Report
- Whistler, Bro
Learn to read the weather , before your next visit to Whistler
Offered through Facebook, Whistler Bro offers mountain alerts, morning forecasts and snow cams with the use of FB messenger. You can set it to a certain time every day to get an overview of what’s happening in the mountains.
Pros: Weather updates, snowfall, cameras, lift time waits, open, fast, easy
Cons: If you don’t have Facebook or Facebook messenger won’t be able to use
- Snow and Weather Report, Whistler Blackcomb
Already mentioned in the previous section but this is the number one website to check out to see how the snow conditions are in the alpine.
Pros: 12, 24, 48 hour updates, snowfall/precipitation amounts, temperatures in the village up to the alpine, visuals, freezing level, winds
Cons: It’s a great source for all but doesn’t specifically tailor to road conditions
- On the Snow
On the Snow provides readers with an overview of all the snow action happening on the mountain.
Pros: Sign up for email newsletter, breakdown of snowfall fallen, winds, terrain information, yearly comparisons
Cons: Not as visually appealing as Whistler Blackcomb snow report
- Snow Phone
Call the Whistler Blackcomb Snow Phone 604-932-4211 to get updates on the alpine weather report to plan your ski day ahead.
Pro: Listen to the morning updates
Cons: Is recorded once a day, not always currently up-to-date due to changing weather patterns throughout the day
Best Resources for Whistler Road Conditions
- The BC Highway Cams
This is a reliable resource to keep updated on road conditions, especially if traveling into Whistler. Winter Tires are a must from October 1st – April 30th.
Pros: Visuals and Cameras to see Highway 99, Warning Notices, Updated Frequently
- Whistler Winter/Summer Group on Facebook
The main Whistler group on Facebook is a good source as if there is any major accidents or gnarly road conditions, people are pretty quick to comment on this page.
Pros: Quick, easy, fast, current time
Cons: Not always reliable, people’s comments can be inaccurate
- Mountain FM- Your Adventure Station
The local radio station is a great way to stay up-to-date with current road conditions.
Pros: Easy to follow, clear, general information, updates on accidents
Cons: Road reports updates infrequent
- Pique NewsMagazine
Pique NewsMagazine is the local newspaper of Whistler. Specifically focusing on their social media Pique NewsMagazine’s Facebook page or Instagram @piquenews is a great way to keep up with current road news information.
Pros: Current news on road accidents or extreme weather notices
Cons: Occasionally behind in a notice, the weather is updated via their social media, not in the printed publication.
Whistler Weather Updates
There you have it folks, an overview of the necessary information you will need as you visit Whistler. This is a mountain town, so it’s important not to be ignorant about the weather conditions.
Weather and road conditions can change drastically dependant on numerous factors, so it’s very important to listen to the word-of-mouth that travels through the village or the warning notices online. Take the provided information seriously.
Listening and viewing the current weather updates is the best gateway to plan for a fantastic ski, hike, snowboard, sled or bike day! Layer up and be smart and you are guaranteed a good time whatever conditions are thrown at you.